Nutrient management

Nutrient management

Nutrient management is a system used by farmers in the management of the amount, form, placement, and timing of the application of nutrients (whether as manure, commercial fertilizer, or other form of nutrients) to plants. The purpose of nutrient management is to supply plant nutrients for optimum forage and crop yields, to minimize non point source pollution and contamination of groundwater, and to maintain and, or improve the condition of soil. Plant nutrients, which come primarily from chemical fertilizers, manure, and in some cases sewage sludge, are essential for crop production. When applied in proper quantities and at appropriate times, nutrients (especially nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) help achieve optimum yields of crop. However, improper application of the nutrients can cause water quality problems both locally and downstream nature.

Equipment used in nutrient management

Tractors

Tractor

Are traction machines that provide mechanical, hydraulic, and or electrical power to perform a wide range of crop production and handling operations. Tractors are most often used to perform drawbar work as well as power take-off work. Rubber tires, rubber belts, or steel tracks can be used to equipped tractor. A modern farm tractor is almost equipped with a diesel engine.

Planters

Planter

Are implements used in the planting of row crops (typically in row spacing ranging from 10 to 40 inches). Planters open a seed trench, meter seeds one at a time, drop seeds into the seed trench, and cover the seed gently. Some planters can cut through residues and till a small strip of soil in each row at the time of planting.   Planters can also perform the application of liquid fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides during planting.   Planters come in sizes as large as sixty feet wide.

Sprayers

Sprayer

Are implements or vehicles that are used in the application of liquid crop chemicals, most often herbicides, and fertilizers.  Sprayers typically include a tank, pump, plumbing, valves, a boom, and nozzles. It can be mounted on a tractor or other implement, pulled by a tractor, self-propelled, or can be mounted on airplanes or helicopters. 

 Spreaders

Spreader

Are implements or vehicles that can be used in the application of dry crop chemicals, in most cases fertilizers. Spreaders typically include a bed, conveyor, and either a set of spinning disks to distribute material over a wide area or a pneumatic system to push material through openings in a boom for distribution on the ground. It can also be mounted on a tractor, pulled by a tractor, self-propelled, as well as airplanes.